Our Sea Routes
Explore the Côte Vermeille with KapMer. Shuttles, cruises and sea trips from Argelès-sur-Mer to Collioure, Port-Vendres, Cap Béar and Paulilles Bay.
Why discover the Côte Vermeille from the sea
Between Argelès-sur-Mer and Cerbère, the rocky coast of the Côte Vermeille is largely inaccessible by road. Schist cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean, tiny coves, secluded inlets and hidden bays reveal themselves only to those who take to the sea. The Anse de Paulilles, protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral, Cap Béar and its iconic lighthouse, the Anse Christine or the wild coves between Collioure and Port-Vendres only appear in their full beauty when seen from offshore.
The seaward approach also offers a unique view of the Vauban forts, Collioure's famous bell tower set in the water, and the terraced vineyards that run down to the waves. Depending on the hour and the light, the schist turns purple, violet or copper — that very palette that inspired the Fauve painters Matisse and Derain in the early 20th century, and gave the coast its name, the Vermilion Coast.
On board the Colibr-e, our zero-emission electric boat, you enjoy total silence and observe marine life with respect, without disturbing the Posidonia seagrass beds or the many species that live there: gilt-head bream, sea bream, groupers, but also bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead turtles offshore. The season runs from April to the end of September, with the sea often calmer in the morning — ideal for slipping into the coves. Click on one of the cards below to view each route on the interactive map.
KapMer routes: durations and formats
Five maritime routes from Argelès-sur-Mer, from a 20-minute crossing to our signature 1h45 cruise, plus the Dolphin Watching Cruise running up to 3 hours offshore. Choose according to the time you have and the experience you are looking for.
Depending on your time: under an hour, go for the Short Cruise (40 min) or the Collioure shuttle (20-min one-way). Between 1 and 2 hours, the Three-Port Cruise (1h30), the Underwater Vision (1h45) or the Paulilles Bay Cruise (1h45) cover the whole coast. For sunset magic, the Sunset Cruise (1h30) is unbeatable.
Argelès / Collioure Shuttle
The direct sea link between the port of Argelès and Collioure. A fast crossing along the rocky coast, ideal for reaching Collioure without a car.
~20 min — One-wayThree-Port Cruise
The grand tour: Argelès, Collioure and Port-Vendres, passing in front of Cap Béar and its lighthouse. A panoramic view of the whole coast.
~1h30 — With commentaryShort Cruise
A loop between Argelès and Collioure with its hidden coves, the Royal Castle and the terraced vineyards. Perfect for a first trip at sea.
~40 min — FamilyUnderwater Vision
Cruise to Cap Béar with 3 underwater observation stops through the glass-bottomed hull to observe the seabed of the Côte Vermeille.
~1h45 — Underwater visionPaulilles Bay Cruise
Our longest cruise: Argelès, Collioure, Port-Vendres, Cap Béar and all the way to the stunning Paulilles Bay. Live commentary on board.
~1h45 — With commentaryPractical info & tips
Single departure point
All routes depart from Quai Marco Polo, port of Argelès-sur-Mer.
For everyone
Trips suitable from age 3 (free under 3). Dolphin Watching from age 5.
Live commentary
A passionate skipper tells you the story of the Côte Vermeille.
- Best time: May-June and September offer a calm sea, golden light and fewer crowds. July and August are perfect for full summer with more frequent departures.
- Best hour: mornings for a calm sea and soft light on the coves, late afternoons for warm colours along the coast, and sunset with the Sunset Cruise (1h30) for the magic.
- What to bring: sunscreen, cap or hat, water, a light jacket (the sea breeze can cool even in summer), camera and sunglasses.
- Pets: welcome on all sea trips, with the exception of the Dolphin Watching Cruise (up to 3 hours offshore).
- Booking: online booking is strongly recommended in high season (July-August). If you are staying with one of our partners, enjoy the partner rate via the dedicated QR code on site.
- Combine shuttle and cruise: the Argelès–Collioure shuttle in the morning, free time in Collioure and lunch, return shuttle, then a Sunset Cruise in the evening — our travellers' favourite combination to discover the coast in a single day. For groups, consider private charter of a boat.
Planning your sea trip: frequently asked questions
How many sea trips can you do in a single day in Argelès-sur-Mer?
You can comfortably fit in 2 to 3 sea trips in the same day, depending on the times you choose and the pace you want. For example: a Short Cruise or an Underwater Vision in the morning, a Three-Port Cruise in the early afternoon, and a Sunset Cruise at the end of the day. Allow at least 1 hour between two trips to enjoy the port and have a bite to eat.
Which is the best trip to discover the Côte Vermeille in one go?
Two trips stand out: the Three-Port Cruise (Argelès, Collioure, Port-Vendres, about 1h30) to see the three iconic ports and Cap Béar, or the Paulilles Bay Cruise (about 1h45) which extends the route to the listed natural site of Paulilles.
Can you combine a shuttle and a cruise in the same day?
Yes: the favourite combination is the Argelès–Collioure shuttle in the morning, free time and lunch in Collioure, return shuttle in the afternoon, and a trip of your choice in the evening (Sunset Cruise highly recommended for the sunset colours).
How can you see as many coves as possible in a short time?
The Underwater Vision aboard Aquavista (about 1h45, glass-bottomed hull) is the most efficient option: the boat skirts the rocky coast between Argelès and Cap Béar, with 3 stops above the Posidonia seagrass meadows and the wild coves.
Ready to set sail?
Book your next sea trip on the Côte Vermeille today.
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